The two casinos in Busan, Korea, saw a combined increase of 18 percent in gaming revenue through the first nine months of 2008.

The 60.1 billion won (around US$53 million) taken in by the Seven Luck Casino and the Casino Busan compared to 51 billion won for the same period in 2007.

The Korea Times reports the Seven Luck Casino accounted for 31.1 billion won and the Casino Busan 28.9 billion won.

Overall visitors to the two casinos—mostly Chinese and Japanese tourists—increased from 88,000 for the nine months in 2007 to 136,000 in 2008. Seven Luck, which opened in mid 2006, had more than double the number of visitors as Busan—93,750 to 42,550.

Only foreign tourists are allowed to play at these and 14 other casinos around the country. Residents are only allowed to play at the Kangwon Land Casino.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.